We must save this landmark

St Peter's Church in York Place is the cathedral of Brighton in all but name, yet sadly it is falling to bits.

More than £1.5 million will be needed to restore it to its former glory and prevent its closure.

Already the great Gothic creation of Sir Charles Barry is a sorry sight, with people being warned to keep away from some sections in case they are hit by falling masonry.

That sort of money simply isn't available from the Church of England, which is struggling to maintain hundreds of other historic buildings throughout the country.

What's needed is a highly professional appeal and help from leading conservation organisations such as English Heritage.

If Brighton and Hove succeeds in becoming a city this should be the first great project to be undertaken.

A sparkling new city needs a parish church - or even a cathedral - to match.

Pages of history

Who made their mark in Sussex over the last 1,000 years? To mark the end of the millennium we made our selection in a special supplement on the final day of last year.

It sparked a great debate, with readers suggesting celebrities they think should have been included.

Among those we left out were Dame Flora Robson, CB Cochran, Paul Scofield and Bill Owen, who all lived in Brighton at one time.

Judging from the letters we've received, the argument will carry on for most of this millennium as well.

Note of discord

The sweet sound of music has been causing disharmony in Havelock Road, Brighton.

Teacher Jackie Chase has been told by her landlord to move within a fortnight after complaints about the noise from some neighbours.

All the children at her school need is a soundproofed building not too close to anyone's home. It shouldn't be that hard to find.

Parents must bang the drum on Jackie's behalf - otherwise she and the kids will be left whistling in the dark.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.